Context
What is the situation and what forces are at play? Business constraints, technical constraints, timing. Enough that a new joiner could understand why this was even a decision.
Options considered
At least two, ideally three. Each with a short pros/cons. If you can only name one option, you didn't make a decision.
Decision
Which option, in a single crisp sentence. Include the date and the deciders.
Consequences
What becomes easier, what becomes harder, and what we're accepting as risk. This is the section future-you will thank present-you for writing.
Common pitfalls
- — Writing ADRs for trivial choices. Reserve them for decisions with consequences.
- — Skipping 'options considered.' Kills the value.
- — Editing an ADR after the fact. Supersede it with a new one instead.